St. Teresa's to open daycare, preschool

By Rhonda Costa

Nevada Appeal Staff Writer

For the first time in its history, St. Teresa School will add a daycare and preschool, offering two classes for 4- and 5-year-olds starting in August.

Longtime Carson City educator Jan Sullivan is returning to the classroom to teach and direct the program that opens Aug. 24. Sullivan retired as principal from Fremont Elementary School two years ago.

"Jan comes with a lot of experience," said Chris Perdomo, St. Teresa's principal. "She was principal of Fremont Elementary School, taught in Carson City and Gardnerville, and was vice principal at Gardnerville Elementary school as well. And she taught fourth grade at St. Teresa's. She got her start here about 25 years ago."

The daycare-preschool program will be located in the former convent, south of the school office on South Richmond Street.

"I'm so excited, this is another opportunity to work with little ones and their parents in the community," Sullivan said. "I feel very honored, and also, the response from people has all been positive."

Sullivan said she plans to be director for at least a couple of years.

"I want to be sure we have a strong base of curriculum and staffing and that we're providing the little people with a good learning experience," Sullivan said.

Sullivan said there are 22 children registered. The program will accept 30 to 45. The daycare will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and preschool from 8:45-11:45 a.m. Monday through Friday.

St. Teresa School, 567 S. Richmond St., offers classes for kindergarten through eighth grade.

Perdomo said they are planning a class for 4-year-olds and one for 5-year-olds.

"If we see there is more interest for 3-year-olds, we'll consider opening that up," Perdomo said.

The daycare and preschool are open to the public. Membership at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Community is not required.

In addition to Sullivan, there will be a second full-time instructor and two part-time instructors.

"The people involved (with the school) have been involved with education for years," Perdomo said. "We have some highly qualified people running the school."

For information, call 882-2079.

- Contact Rhonda Costa at rcosta@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.

WHAT: St. Teresa of Avila Child Development Center

WHO: 4- and 5-year-olds

WHEN: Registration now open; session begins Aug. 24

WHERE: 567 S. Richmond St., Carson City

CALL: 882-2079